December 1985
Blitz Thursday
It was B for blitz day in Dundee yesterday (Thursday) as the city buzzed as never before. Circumstances combined to see the town thronging with people. Most notably the pre-Christmas shopping rush (plus pay cheques being in the bank at the start of the month) and the strike in the schools.
Thousands of pupils, who'd normally have been at lessons, poured into the town centre. And plain clothes police were also in evidence as the almost expected round of shoplifting hit the streets.
Car parks were taxed to near capacity, too, with the comparatively rare situation of drivers having to go roof-top high at Bell Street multi. At the Wellgate the "park full" signs were on standby for the giant facility.
For the shops it was boom time and queues were to be found in most of the major stores. It was a freaky situation a Thursday as pavements teemed with people bustling in all directions.
The spending? For sure it must have amounted to many, many thousands of pounds. And this Saturday and Sunday don't promise any let-up either!
Jingle All the Way at the Victoria!
Seasonal jollity is still the name of the game at the Victoria, Dundee, with Santa Claus - The Movie (U). The celebrity of the same name dashes about the skies of New York in his reindeer-powered sleigh, trailing clouds of stardust - just as everyone below a certain age would imagine the scene on Christmas Eve if he couldn't see it for himself. Assisting the bearded gent in his yearly charitable stint is Dudley Moore as the elf, Patch, and hindering the good guys is rascally John Lithgow as a wicked toy magnate.
Showing nightly at 7 p.m.
Matinee Saturday 2 p.m.
Sports Locker
Football Kits for Christmas!
Scotland from……£19.99
Dundee United from…..£19.99
Dundee, Celtic and Rangers from…..£18.50
Strips also available for Aberdeen and Liverpool.
1986 Dundee United alendar now available.
Footballs from…..99p
Mitre Delta 7000…..£10.99
Large range of trainers and boots by Patrick, Puma, Nike, Adidas and New Balance arriving shortly!
Strips for Spurs, West Germany, Bayern Munchen and Hamburg.
If in doubt - give a gift voucher!
Sports Locker, 22, Overgate, Dundee: Tel 0382 22810.
What Happens Now?
This week both Dundee's senior clubs allied themselves with the other full-time Premier Division outfits by refusing to allow TV cameras at their grounds. In yet another development the players' union stepped in to warn clubs that their consent will be needed for any breakaway changes within the game.
Whatever the rights and wrongs of the arguments for or against live screening of football matches there can be little doubt that the next few weeks will be critical for the game in Scotland. One thing's for sure. The administrative and legislative part of the professional scene in Scotland is not likely to be the same again.
Fiona Jumps to a Record
A promising young Dundee athlete achieved third place in the Midland Counties junior championships long jump at Cosford at the weekend. Fiona Silver (15) of Mericmuir Place, a pupil at Harris Academy and a Hawkhill Harrier, jumped 4 metres 97.
She has also received confirmation that she gained the Scottish north-east junior record with a jump of 5 metre 24 at Wishaw earlier this year. Fiona also won the Scottish schools' pentathlon this year. Her two best events are the long jump and the high jump and her coach, Mr John Oulton, sees a promising future for her with a possible place in the Scottish junior squad next year.
United Move Closer to the Top
Dundee United have made what has become their traditional festive move towards the top of the Premier League. After claiming the scalp of champions Aberdeen at home on Saturday they continues their impressive form by sending Celtic away pointless from Tannadice on Monday.
The Tangerines are now just one point behind leaders Hearts with the luxury of having two game in hand over their Edinburgh rivals. With so many first-team men out of consideration for the game against Aberdeen, Jim McLean admits in the circumstances he would have been happy to settle for a point. So he had reason to be proud of his men who outclassed the Dons for long spells. "I felt we dictated in the second half and there was not better player on the park than Dave Dodds" said the United manager.
And another gutsy display earned the Tangerines their win against Celtic.
Timex Sports Quartz
The Timex Triathlon
Arguable the most sophisticated sports training watch in the world, water resistant to 50 metres with eight lap memory stop watch and triple countdown timer.
Run, cycle or swim.
Timex Sports Quartz
White Chocolate Truffles
Always a favourite - Mrs I Canale, Arbroath.
Take 8oz white milk chocolate, ¼ pint evaporated milk, ¼ teaspoon vanilla flavouring, 3oz desiccated coconut, 2 tablespoonfuls of rum.
Place the chocolate in pan with the milk and vanilla flavouring. Melt over a slow heat, stirring frequently. Remove from the heat and stir in 2oz coconut, add the rum and mix thoroughly. Leave to cool. Roll into 30 balls, coat with the remainder coconut. Chill.
Bright Tips
Shiny Again - During really wet weather, even stainless steel cutlery appears dim. Lightly wipe over with a cotton cloth, dipped in a little plain white flour and see how they shine. Mrs Mitchell, Tain.
Late Roses - A small spoonful of sugar added to a vase of roses helps to feed them and makes them last longer. Mrs Parker, Ayrshire.
Scruffy Shoes? - A little egg white rubbed on the toes of leather shoes, conceals scratches, leave to dry and polish well. Mrs Robertson, Lerwick.